Jerry (2021)
A seven-minute documentary portrait of a man who executed 62 people — and then dedicated his life to ending the practice forever.
Jerry - Movie Information
- Original Title: Jerry
- Release Year: 2021
- Directed by: Ben Proudfoot
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Runtime: 7m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Production Companies: Breakwater Studios
- Production Countries: United States of America
Jerry - Plot
Part of the Cause of Life series. A devout Christian, Jerry Givens was Virginia's chief executioner, before he became an advocate of abolishing the death penalty.
Jerry - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse into Jerry Givens' remarkable story:
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Jerry - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ben Proudfoot
Main Cast
- Abraham J Bonowitz
Producers
- Ben Proudfoot
- Brandon Somerhalder
Jerry - FAQs
What is the documentary Jerry (2021) about?
Jerry follows Jerry Givens, a devout Christian who served as Virginia's chief executioner for years before undergoing a profound moral transformation. The film explores how he became one of the most compelling voices in the movement to abolish the death penalty in the United States.
Who is Jerry Givens and why does he matter?
Jerry Givens carried out 62 executions as Virginia's chief executioner before his faith and conscience led him to oppose capital punishment entirely. His journey from state executioner to abolitionist advocate makes him one of the most striking and credible voices in the debate over the death penalty.
Who directed the short film Jerry?
Jerry was directed by Ben Proudfoot, an Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker known for his intimate, character-driven short films. The film is part of Proudfoot's Cause of Life series, which examines personal stories connected to the broader debate around capital punishment in America.
How long is the documentary Jerry (2021)?
Jerry runs just 7 minutes, making it a concise and powerful short documentary. Despite its brief runtime, the film packs an emotional and moral punch, delivering a deeply human portrait of a man whose life experience fundamentally changed his views on state-sanctioned execution.
Is Jerry part of a documentary series?
Yes, Jerry is part of the Cause of Life series, a collection of short documentary films produced by Breakwater Studios. The series brings together personal stories that illuminate the human dimensions of the death penalty debate, offering intimate portraits of people directly affected by capital punishment.
Did Jerry (2021) receive any award recognition?
Jerry earned significant recognition, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Short Subject at the 94th Oscars. The nomination highlighted Ben Proudfoot's skill at distilling complex moral questions into brief, emotionally resonant portraits of real people navigating extraordinary circumstances.
What films are similar to Jerry (2021)?
If Jerry moved you, you might enjoy other character-driven short documentaries like The Last Repair Shop (2024) and My Mom Jayne (2025), both of which share Jerry's intimate, humanistic approach. John Candy: I Like Me (2025) and Frida (2024) also offer compelling personal portraits worth exploring.
When was the documentary Jerry released?
Jerry was released on January 4, 2021. Produced by Breakwater Studios with Ben Proudfoot and Brandon Somerhalder at the helm, the short documentary quickly gained attention for its striking subject matter and the extraordinary moral journey at its center.
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